Donna Eckwortzel - Founder & Executive Director
Donna is the dedicated founder of Hearts Landing Ranch, a sanctuary she established in 2013 with a heartfelt mission to support foster, human trafficking victims and local youth through Mentoring and since 2016 Hearts Landing Ranch has been a similar ministry to Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. And, due to the severity of trafficking and childhood trauma, in 2020 added Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) Program and Donna along with 7 other team members became EAGALA Certified.
Driven by her deep compassion and understanding of mental health challenges, Donna has built a space where individuals can find healing and hope with the help of her team of rescued therapy horses. Her leadership and commitment have made Hearts Landing Ranch a trusted place for transformative, Equine-Assisted care.
Donna is the dedicated founder of Hearts Landing Ranch, a sanctuary she established in 2013 with a heartfelt mission to support foster, human trafficking victims and local youth through Mentoring and since 2016 Hearts Landing Ranch has been a similar ministry to Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. And, due to the severity of trafficking and childhood trauma, in 2020 added Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) Program and Donna along with 7 other team members became EAGALA Certified.
Driven by her deep compassion and understanding of mental health challenges, Donna has built a space where individuals can find healing and hope with the help of her team of rescued therapy horses. Her leadership and commitment have made Hearts Landing Ranch a trusted place for transformative, Equine-Assisted care.
Nicole Walter - Program Development
After volunteering for several years, Nicole became HLR's first employee in 2021. Nicole's education is in Equine Science Management. She has had "hands-on" experience in training and care of horses at multiple well-established farms.
In 2020 Nicole also became an EAGALA Certified Equine Specialist and served hands on with clients and volunteers as Equine Program Director, until moving out of state in January of 2026. She is now working on program development, grant writing and other online support.
Anthony Trujillo - Facilities/Equine Specialist
Corynn Kalla - Herd Care
Sierra Tsygankov - AMFT/Client Intake
Dr Robyn Masters PhD - Psychologist
Jaime Perell - LMFT
Board of directors
Donna Eckwortzel Board Chair, Co-Founder & executive Director Donna founded Hearts Landing Ranch in 2013 after experiencing firsthand the healing power of horses as a teen. Her professional background includes leadership in business operations, international assignment work, and community service. She brings vision, operational acumen, and deep expertise in trauma-responsive programs. |
Mike Frey Board Secretary & Co-Founder Mike is a co-founder of the organization and is married to Co-Founder and Executive Director Donna Eckwortzel. He brings extensive leadership experience from his role as Vice President of Network Engineering at Hewlett-Packard, where he developed strong communication and leadership skills that now support his mentorship of boys and young adults, teaching lifelong, hands-on skills in plumbing, construction, and electrical work. |
Terri Olson Board Treasurer With 30+ years nonprofit leadership; Placer County Law Enforcement Chaplain Terri brings decades of experience in nonprofit governance, community leadership, Rotary service, chaplaincy, grant facilitation, and crisis response. Her ability to support first responders and families in trauma makes her an invaluable asset for oversight of HLR’s mental‑health mission. Terri is also a small business owner. |
Valerie Thorn, PMHNP-BC,FNP-BC Board Member As a Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse, Physician’s Assistant and telehealth psychiatric provider, Valerie offers clinical insight, trauma‑response expertise, and firsthand experience with the efficacy of experiential therapy. She also brings systems‑thinking and experience supporting survivors of sexual assault through the SANE teamwork. |
Anabel Velasquez Board Member Anabel brings lived experience as a Systems Analyst for Stanford University; survivor advocate and a successful former HLR client, with significant advocacy leadership in survivor support organizations, such as VP of AreTheyAbusive and President of JABEL. Her passion for equine therapy and community resilience adds depth and authenticity to the board’s perspective. |
Bryan Hill Board Member As 24‑year pharmaceutical industry professional; veteran‑connected community leader, and veteran, Bryan first encountered HLR as a client referred by the El Dorado County Veterans Service Office. He brings extensive experience in sales, relationship‑building, and networking, along with a passion for community impact and support for veterans. |
Dawn Kinser Board Member Dawn is the owner of One Balloon at a Time, a community-focused balloon décor business. She was honored as the 2025 Placer Valley Entrepreneur of the year for her dedication to small business and community involvement. Dawn is also the owner of Dawn’s House Cleaning, a successful business she founded in 2011. Dawn is passionate about supporting local schools, nonprofits, fellow businesses, and the AA community. She believes in building lasting relationships through exceptional service and giving back. |
